Sushi, Sashimi, and Japanese Cheese Fondue: Third Sake Manzo Opens in Tianshuiyuan

It hasn't even been a year since Sake Manzo opened the doors to its second branch on the northeast corner of 21st Century Hotel near Liangmaqiao, and today (Dec 16) they open a third location at Tianshuiyuan, just south of Chaoyang Park.

As with the first and second branch, the interior is in line with what Muji has taught us to believe Japan is like; straight crisp lines, dusky natural colors, and wood furnishings define the main dining area whereas a tatami area adds a sense of warmth, allowing patrons to feel at home at the bar. This new venue, however, is a little bigger and the gorgeous second-floor private rooms would make for the perfect business function or even a more intimate meal.

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Food at this third location upholds the quality we have come to expect from foodie and sake connoisseur Chef Taka Yamamoto who continues the tradition of making fresh tofu daily, and serving up the restaurant's signature dish: his popular eel rice. 

New dishes at this location are a little bit more adventurous: a Japanese cheese fondue (with sake added to the mix instead of white wine) and a dash of miso, which may be a little lacking for someone expecting a European-style cheese fondue given that it's missing that strong cheesy flavor; little deep-fried oyster balls that we really enjoyed; and a delicate oyster sushi laid out on grapefruit-infused sushi rice. 

Even if you aren't into adventurous Japanese cuisine, Sake Manzo should still be your go-to for the standard dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and eel rice. It certainly is ours when we want to be ensured of good quality, and we can't wait to add this location to our list of frequented spots. Yamamato intends to update the menus at his other two locations but for now it's worth heading to this third spot to get first taste of his latest offerings.

Sake Manzo
Daily 6pm-midnight. 6A Daojiayuan, Chaoyang District (8770 8767)
朝阳区道家园甲6号

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Photos: Margaux Schreurs